It doesn’t take long to realise Iceland isn’t finished yet. Drive east of its cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik, to cross a lava desert, witness the earth gasp and, at Skógafoss, see a river fall from the sky. Past Vik, glaciers grind on to beaches as black as soot. It feels less a road trip than a Viking saga – not bad for one day! Not enough time for a two-week circuit? My tip is balance Reykjavik with the untamed Westfjords.
Witnessing a country being born is half the appeal. The other is joining locals who treat their raw surroundings like a giant adventure playground. What do you fancy – hiking up active volcanoes, diving between tectonic plates in the Thingvellir National Park, riding Viking horses or simply lolling in the geothermic Blue Lagoon?
Apparently, 20% of Icelanders believe in elves. Spend time in this real Middle Earth and who’s to say they’re wrong?
5 holidays match your criteria.
Experience some of Iceland's most majestic landscapes in just 3 or 4 days.
Visit Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland in just two weeks
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Iceland on snowshoes during its most vivid season. In the winter months, this small island nation is transformed into a majestic world of lava fields & volcanoes blanketed in snow, waterfalls flowing amid shimmering ice, and night skies painted with the immense colours of the northern lights.
Witness the eruption of Fagradalsfjall Volcano on Iceland’s fiery Reykjanes Peninsula and explore the iconic sights of the Golden Circle
Complete Iceland's most famous hiking trail across the Fjallaback from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork
